AUTUMN can be intrinsically linked with damp, cold weather, where it is much more appealing for someone to snuggle under the duvet rather than venturing outside.

Here in Gwent, we are blessed with beautiful surroundings and a wide-range of walking paths and, despite the autumn gloom, now is as good a time as any to go and explore them.

Gwent boasts four towns or villages to have been accredited with a Walkers are Welcome status in recent years. Chepstow, Tintern, Monmouth and Abergavenny, have been chosen by the initiative, launched in 2007 to encourage walkers to tackle certain terrains and walking spots in the UK, as the most attractive walking spots.

But this is only the tip of the iceberg. Here, we look at 10 places in Gwent where you could go and enjoy a walk over the next few weeks, weather permitting of course...

1 - Wye Valley walk - Chepstow to Monmouth section

This 17-mile route can be split over two days and gives a different perspective of the river Wye with several viewpoints and often a bench to rest and take in the beauty of the Wye Valley.

For wildlife enthusiasts, it can also be a good opportunity to see otters, wild deer, among other creatures, in their natural habitats.

In its entirety, the Wye Valley Walk is 136 miles long starting opposite Chepstow Castle and follows the river valley all the way to Rhayader in Powys, criss-crossing the border between England and Wales.

2 – Machen Forge Trail

A three-mile circular walk around the quiet village and countryside of Machen appeals to walkers of wide-ranging abilities.

Follow the Machen Forge Trail around the villages of Machen and Waterloo and the peaceful countryside of the Rhymney Valley.

You can also step into the past and discover the people who made Machen with the local council’s map and route directions which will allow you to follow the Machen Forge Trail without getting lost. For more information go to caerphilly.gov.uk.

3 – Blaenavon industrial landscape walks

Who said walks can’t be fun and educational? Perhaps no-one did. But a number of walks have been created by visitblaenavon.co.uk to help walkers discover the hidden corners of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site as well as taking in the beautiful surroundings.

The walks range from easy strolls to energetic hikes with distances of just under 2.5 miles to more than 12 miles. Each walk starts and finishes at a convenient car park, village centre, pub, picnic site or heritage attraction meaning that you can leave your car safely if needs be.

Many of the routes cross open mountains and rocky or muddy areas so sensible clothing and footwear are essential for this one. The Blaenavon World Heritage Centre has a full range of walks leaflets for the World Heritage Site and for the rest of Torfaen.

4 – Twmbarlwm mountain

This beautiful mountain, located in Caerphilly county borough and at 414 metres above sea level, offers panoramic views over the Bristol Channel and the Severn Estuary. This circular trek takes in the contrasts of forest tracks and open common land, leading up to the highest point in the county – Twmbarlwm Iron Age Hill Fort.

The 6.5 mile walk includes some steep ascents and descents and takes on average around four-and-a-half hours to complete.

To begin the walk, go to the entrance of Cwmcarn Visitor Centre. For details and directions of various walks around the mountain, type ‘Escape to Twmbarlwm’ into your internet search engine.

5 – Blorenge Mountain, Abergavenny

This easy-to-access walk only takes around two hours but it is worth it for the scenic views alone.

The path should be fairly obvious from the Foxhunter car park and it is worth looking out for the Foxhunter memorial as you leave it to get some of its history. Follow the path heading away from the radio masts until you get to the front of the Blorenge to begin on your journey.

The whole of Abergavenny can be seen from the top, with the Sugarloaf and Skirrid mountains providing a beautiful backdrop.

6 – Newport City to Sea Walk

The Newport City to Sea Walk opened in May 2012 as part of the Wales Coast Path initiative. The five-mile walk includes slopes, stiles, steps and uneven ground, but access is quite easy. Parking is available along Stephenson Street or at the Newport Wetlands car park.

The Wales Coast Path is 870 miles long and begins at Chepstow on the banks of the Wye and finishes beside the River Dee a few miles from Cheshire.

The Newport section of the path crosses the Caldicot and Wentloog Levels to meet the city of Newport in a distance of 23 miles. Along the path and in the surrounding area there are landmarks and remains of medieval settlements, the Roman occupation, the Norman Conquest and industrial development and expansion.

At the mid-point of the Newport Coast Path lies the River Usk, which flows through the heart of the city centre.

7 - Cwmcarn Forest

Turn up at the Cwmcarn Visitor Centre and take it from there! The area has been the subject of much debate over the past few months as the seven-mile scenic drive is set to close for felling work on its disease-ridden trees, but this does not necessarily affect the walking routes.

Ed Woolley leads teams of Nordic walkers on two different routes at Cwmcarn Forest and says the variety of walks in the area is what most appeals to people. He said: “It’s a brilliant place to walk and relatively safe and there’s not a lot of traffic but the selling point is the streams and the quietness. But as you go uphill it can also be quite demanding if you want it to be.”

8 – Tredegar House

It might be an obvious choice for those living in and around the Newport area but one of the city’s main tourist attractions is just that for a reason. The outdoor surrounding Tredegar House can be of interest to even the most ardent walkers. As the seasons start to change the gardens and its park has a brilliant display of leaves turning from green to gold.

9 – Parc Cwm Darran

A tranquil country park tucked away in the Darran Valley, two miles north of Bargoed, is finding plenty of ways to interact with hikers from all walks of life. Take an easy stroll along lakeside paths or wander through shady woodlands. Trails can lead to Cwmllwydrew Meadows Local Nature Reserve.

The Lakeside Coffee Shop offers the use of hi-tech touch-screen interactive games, while there is also an audio trail along the way.

10 – Grosmont, Monmouthshire

This village can be covered by foot in six miles. The Angel Inn should be your starting point, according to one experienced walker. Harri Roberts, 37, lives in Rhiwderin near Newport, and enjoys walking all over Wales alongside his partner, Tracy Burton.

Mr Roberts often writes for the outdoor writers and photographers guild and speaks highly of this route. He said: “It provides a sample of some of the toughest but also most scenic hiking on the Three Castles Walk. The outward leg, across Graig Syfyrddin, is particularly tough, with the hard work rewarded by excellent views of the Black Mountains. On the return leg, views open out in the opposite direction, along the rolling hills of the Monnow Valley. Towards the end of the walk, there are excellent views across the valley to Grosmont.”